Warner Animal Welfare To Be Reviewed

The welfare of animals used in Harry Potter films, is brought into question by Peta following concern about owls which appeared frightened.

12:27 23 March 2015

The birds are at a Warner Bros Studio Tour in London and they stated, “it is essential that the welfare of the birds is of the highest standard.”  It stated that the company who owns the birds have been asked to look at the matter.

Part of the tour permits the public to meet the cat which belonged to Hermione, Harry’s owl and some of the other animals used during filming.  

An investigator from Anima Rights Campaigners, Peta, reported that the animals were made to perform tricks they considered demeaning.

Concern was raised about the size of the cages in which the owls were residing.  Peta reported that the owls were chewing at their tethers, unable to do anything else to vent their frustration.

Peta is requesting that live animals not be used in these tours and for the tour to remain, “magical and not cruel.”

A spokesperson for Warner Bros said that the owls do attend the tour at certain times and are handled only by experts at the company who own them - Birds and Animals. 

They claim that the welfare and health of the animals are of highest importance and they will “take appropriate action,” regarding this to make sure the highest standard is met.